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Addressing the 4th Conference of Mining Ministers on reforms in the mine and coal sector in Goa, Secretary, Ministry of Coal, Shri Vikram Dev Dutt, highlighted the significant progress made by India’s coal sector and its vital role in strengthening the country's energy security and driving economic growth. He noted that domestic coal production surpassed one billion tonnes for the second consecutive year, while also reducing dependence on imported coal. He emphasised the importance of continued structural reforms to make the mining and coal sectors more competitive, transparent, efficient and investment-friendly. Highlighting initiatives such as commercial coal mining, the revised SHAKTI framework and Coal SETU, he underlined the need to promote greater private participation, simplify processes and accelerate mine operationalisation. He also highlighted coal gasification as a key opportunity for value addition, industrial diversification and employment generation, urging coal-bearing States to actively facilitate investments, infrastructure development and project implementation. Stressing the importance of technology, digitalisation, sustainable mining practices and efficient logistics, he called for stronger Centre-State collaboration to unlock the full potential of India's mineral and coal resources. He reiterated that the next phase of growth must move beyond extraction towards value creation, positioning the coal sector as a catalyst for industrial development, stronger State revenues, job creation and the vision of Viksit Bharat. #MinistryofCoal #CoalSector #CoalProduction